Thomas est amoureux

In an undefined future having big insurance corporations, Thomas is a thirty-three years old retired man having agoraphobia for eight years. He uses cyber-sex for sexual self-satisfaction and never leaves his place or receives any visit. His apartment has a type of air-lock or ante-room, where he receives his deliveries. Thomas has psychological treatment with his psychiatrist through the video. One day, he knows the therapeutic prostitute Eva, and falls in love with her.

This low-budget movie is one of the most original and intriguing films I have ever seen. This view of the future using the video to achieve all the services is getting closer and closer. The story hooks the attention until the last (disappointing) open scene, when we finally see Thomas. In Brazil, this film is only available on cable television. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Apaixonado Thomas" ("Infactuated Thomas")

Obs: On 17 July 2008, I watched this movie on DVD.

After the film experience of Belgian director Pierre-Paul Renders' "Thomas in Love," if we think about it, the title literally says what the film is all about. Yet in the beginning, we probably don't pay much attention to this title detail, 'cos we are dazzled by the amazing computer-digital video work of Clara and her simulated movements & sounds in 'sextoon.' We get the story of Thomas Thomas, an eight-year agoraphobic 32 year old, by (not actually seeing him, but) his going about his daily activities strictly through the technological device and mercy of videophoning: his interactions with the people he calls up, talks to, cybersex with on screen through his computer. Yes, it may sound like a lot of conversations/dialogs, but the nuances are felt in between the subtle unspoken moments, hesitating pauses… The visuals are impressive: from bright colorful setups, to the intimate background/room environment the person on the screen is in, and the interesting symbols on the faces of each video-in-person, including Thomas' mother and her friends. We also get to view cyber poetry transmitted, and somehow get a sense of how a cybersex suit is applied and plugged-in for virtual two-way connection. It's truly an imaginative filmic experience and it's beyond simply hi-tech alright! The ingenious aspect is how sensitivity and emotions were definitely not lacking throughout the film (and humor is included.) Certainly more warm (and hotter at times) than Wayne Wang's "Center of the World" 2001.

Yes, if you appreciate the film "Thomas in Love," definitely visit its official site sponsored by IFC (served from Independent Film Channel's sextranet) - there is warning prior to entry of the site that it "contains content of a sexually explicit nature which is not suitable for young audiences…continue if you are over the age of 18 and not easily offended by sexual content." So, yes, this film is NFE (Not For Everyone.)

If you're curious about what possibilities of interacting in cyberspace are like, if you care about where love and its power may lead you, if you appreciate innovative and imaginative filmmaking - yes, don't miss Thomas In Love, and visit its official Web site, for sure. (Film is in French with subtitles, site is in English with occasional French.)

We caught Thomas est amoureux at the Virginia Film Festival this year. As we left, my wife and I (who have seen a number of really good films this year) agreed that this was one of, if not the best, movie we'd seen in a long time. It tells the story of Thomas, a young agoraphobic, who has not left his house in eight years and who interacts solely through the internet videophone on his computer. Yes, it is told from his point of view, which is as claustrophobic and inhibiting as you would expect. However, I thought it was brilliant - by the end, I felt as cramped and limited as the protagonist. ****/****

Thomas est amoureux (Thomas in Love) is perhaps one of the most unique and interesting films that I've seen. Although the introduction featuring 'Sextoon' could easily make it dismissable as a film about sex, hang on for a bit and you will discover quite an intelligent film.

It is the not-too-distant future and Thomas is an agoraphobe (one with fear of open air) who has kept himself in his apartment for eight years, communicating only by videophone functionality on his computer. He is advised to try dating services by his psychologist and meets women via the service, one of which starts to change his life.

The entire movie is filmed from the perspective of Thomas' computer screen, this itself gives the film a very unique effect. What also makes this movie interesting is Thomas' development of character - not only is it done very well, it is interesting to see how love can affect an agoraphobe, how he affects other people via the videophone, and how other people affect him. The way the future is portrayed is also quite interesting.

There isn't much to criticise the movie on (one could argue that there was quite a bit of explicit content, but it does seem necessary). That said, it isn't really a masterpiece. But it's still an interesting and impressive film. Recommended.

THOMAS IN LOVE (3+ outta 5 stars)

A severe agoraphobe (afraid of open spaces) spends his whole life shut up in his apartment, experiencing only what he can via his computer screen. Since this takes place in the near future, he can actually see and do quite a bit. (The only problem, same as nowadays, is getting a repair technician to actually make a housecall... but since Thomas *never* leaves his home anyway, this doesn't prove to be too much of a difficulty.) His therapist thinks Thomas could benefit by more human contact so he enrolls Thomas in a dating agency and a medical prostitution service. Thomas is intrigued by a woman he meets in each place... but will either of them be able to get him to leave his apartment and have a real relationship... or will they be stuck in those embarrassing, clunky cybersex suits forever? This very interesting movie takes place entirely from the point of view of Thomas. The audience can only see what Thomas sees on his computer screen. We can hear his voice but we never see his face. The movie is carried by the performances of the people he encounters in his daily routine... everyone is completely believable. In another ten years' time this film will probably seem like a documentary.